Developing countries: integrate the environment in the development process, sustainable development

PURPOSE: to promote the full integration of the environmental dimension in the development process of developing countries. COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council Regulation 2493/2000/EC. CONTENT: Sustainable development relies on the integration of the environmental dimension into the development process. Since resources are limited, the creation of suitable policies, strategies and tools and the implementation of experimental schemes are essential elements for such integration in economic and development cooperation. Against this background, the finanical instruments available to the Community for supporting sustainable development in developing countries should be supplemented and coordination of operations financed under Community instruments should be improved. To this end, the main provisions of the Regulation include the following: - the Community shall provide financial assistance and appropriate expertise aimed at drawing up and promoting the implementation of policies, strategies and tools for the pursuit of sustainable development; - the activities to be carried out shall address, inter alia: 1) global and transboundary environmental issues and environmental impacts related to the integration of developing countries into the world economy; 2) environmental impacts of macroeconomic and sectoral policies, sustainable patterns of production and consumption and sustainable management and use of natural and environmental resources in all productive sectors; 3) environmental problems casued by the non-sustainable use of resources due to poverty; 4) sustainable production and use of energy and chemical products; 5) conservation of biological diversity; 6) management of fresh water resources, coastal zone, estuary and wetland manangement, desertification and urban environment problems relating to certain areas. Activities eligible for financing include, amongst others: - support for the drawing up of national, regional and local policies, plans and strategies, programmes and projects for sustainable development; - schemes to build up the institutional and operational capacities of actors in the development process; - pilot projects in the field including those involving environmentally-sound technologies adapted to local constraints and needs; - inventory, accounting and statistical work, in order to improve the quality of environmental data and environmental indicators. In the selection, preparation, implementation and evaluation of activities, particular attention shall be paid to a number of factors. Community financing may cover different kinds of undertakings (e.g. studies, technical assistance) and other donors may be involved as co-financiers. Financial assistance under this Regulation shall take the form of grants and the financial framework during the period from 2000 to 2006 shall be EUR 93 million. In conclusion, this Regulation shall apply until 31.12.2006.�